Where to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby 2015

Place your bets and don your wildest hats, because the Kentucky Derby is galloping into Louisville on Saturday, March 2nd.  And whether or not you know anything about racing horses, there’s nothing to stop you from getting into the spirit, during the grand galas at the following restaurants and bars!

21 Club: This iconic New York steakhouse and prohibition-era speakeasy has been holding lavish, Kentucky Derby celebrations for generations. And you know the city’s most well-to-do racing enthusiasts are going to show up in high style (whoever is deemed “best dressed” will win dinner for two at the restaurant), so come dressed to the nines for an afternoon of betting, frosty Mint Juleps, and a menu of Southern-styled bar bites, such as Cornmeal Fried Oysters, Kentucky Ham on a Biscuit, Pecan Pie with whipped cream, and classic Burgoo stew.

Eleven Madison Park: Talk about a party!  The team at this glamorous, Washington Square Park Eatery doesn’t do anything small, so dress accordingly.  The festivities begin with a flurry of Mint Juleps and an all too generous raw bar. The kitchen takes a break from cutting edge American cooking to turn out fried chicken, waffles and an unlimited supply of Bourbon, of course. And there’s a giant screen for prime Derby viewing, too.

Mad 46: Gather on the glorious, newly renovated rooftop lounge of Midtown’s Roosevelt Hotel, for their annual & awesome party, featuring Woodford Reserve Mint Juleps (the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby), nibbles such as Short Rib Sliders and Peppermint Chimichuri Lobster, and a prize pool for best dressed.  The “Most Polished Gentleman” will
win a one-night stay at the hotel, while the “Most Derby Chic Lady” will receive mad46 bottle service for six!

Maison Premiere: This absinthe and oyster house serves some of New York’s most notable juleps all year long, making them an ideal place to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.  Enjoy live music, a radio broadcast of the race, chef’s specials (including raw bar favorites), and of course, cup after silver cup of those seriously killer cocktails.

Greenwood Park: This Brooklyn beer garden plays host to Brooklyn Derby’s massive (read, 600+ people) yearly event, during which they turn the bocce courts into a corn toss area, and erect various stations for dancing, making hats, and racing tricycles.  There will also be bluegrass and jazz bands, Mint Juleps galore from an open bar, and the option of ordering eats from Greenwood Park’s kitchen, such as Pulled Chicken Tacos, housemade Veggie Burgers, and Sweet Italian Sausage with peppers and onions.

Brickyard Gastropub: A craft beer haven in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Brickyard will once again celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style, with food and drink specials all day (including omnipresent Mint Juleps, of course), as well as staff picks for the very best Derby hat.  Brooklyn residents can also get in on the action, with a concurrent party at the gastropub’s sister bar; Kent Ale House in Williamsburg.